Archive for May, 2010

View of Barcelona from Silver Wind's Panorama Lounge

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind docked in Barcelona today to board passengers for a nine-day cruise that will end in Nice, France.

Silver Wind will visit some exceptional ports of call in the days to come, including a number of small, not-so-often visited ports, such as Port Vendres and Sete, France.

Cruising on Silver Wind from Barcelona to Nice  Read more... (151 words, 4 images, estimated 36 secs reading time)

Silver Spirit Bartender Rex Reyes demonstrates how to mix two special cocktails, the Sexy Alligator and the signature Silver Spirit.

Star Flyer visits snug harbors, dropping anchor and tendering passengers ashore.

Cannes, France — Our cruise on Star Flyer comes to an end Saturday morning. Just as we embarked, we will disembark — by tender. Not once during our eight days sailing the Mediterranean did Star Flyer tie up alongside a dock, and that alone says something about this cruise.  Read more... (948 words, 11 images, estimated 3:48 mins reading time)

A Cruise Report reader writes:

We are trying to decide between the Silver Spirit, Seabourn Odyssey, Regent Seven Sea Mariner and Crystal Serenity for a Christmas cruise in December. We have three daughters — 19,17,15 — who are concerned that they will not have anyone to meet on these ships. Which one of these ships do you suggest?

Readers, can you help out?  Read more... (106 words, estimated 25 secs reading time)

Not Bvlgari

My First Day On Star Flyer (or) First Impressions Of A Ship Snob

During the past year, I’ve cruised my share of ultra-luxury ships, including those operated by Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. I’ve come to expect a certain standard — palatial staterooms, superior service, exquisite dining, and yes, sadly, Bvlgari bath amenities.

I have become, much to my dismay, something that I never dreamed I would become: a ship snob.  Read more... (593 words, 2 images, estimated 2:22 mins reading time)

Noodle Station, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

During breakfast and lunch on La Marguerite, there was a “Fresh Noodle Station,” which prepared delicious noodle soups. Also available: a buffet of Western and Asian foods, fresh fruits and cheeses.

Noodle soup, an option for breakfast and lunch  Read more... (207 words, 3 images, estimated 50 secs reading time)

On the Mekong: Sa Dec, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

One of our readers asked about tours and whether they were crowded. They were not. La Marguerite carries 92 passengers. For tours, we split into three groups, meaning there were about 30 people in each group. Thirty is not a small group, but it’s not a large one either.  Read more... (244 words, 1 image, estimated 59 secs reading time)

Star Flyer & sister Star Clipper

On May 8, 2010, I set sail on Star Flyer, sister to Star Clipper. Both are 360 feet long, and each carries only 170 guests.

I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m told that accommodations are spacious, the teak decks are expansive and that nothing can be more relaxing that sailing under a light breeze in the Mediterranean.  Read more... (92 words, 1 image, estimated 22 secs reading time)